Darlington College

11/06/2026

Be the next big thing in digital design! 💻🎨

Our UAL Level 3 Diploma in Digital and Graphic Design is perfect for creative minds looking to explore UX/UI, motion graphics, animation, immersive technologies and interactive media while developing industry-ready skills.

Using industry-standard creative tools, you’ll research, design and prototype digital products for web, mobile and interactive platforms while building your confidence as a digital designer and creative practitioner.
✨ Equivalent to 3 A-Levels
✨ Worth up to 168 UCAS points
✨ Build a professional portfolio and Final Major Project
✨ Develop skills in UX/UI, motion graphics, app prototyping and more

You’ll also gain valuable transferable skills including creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, presentation and project management.

Potential career routes include:
📱 UX/UI Designer
🎨 Graphic Designer
💻 Web Designer
🎮 Immersive Media Designer
📸 Digital Content Creator

📅 Starts September 2026

Apply now:
https://darlington.ac.uk/course/180465/ual-l3-dip-in-digital---graphic-design/

10/06/2026

Skills for Life... just like Volvo! 🚛

This week, we welcomed back former Darlington College apprentices Ollie Clinton and Kenzie Stephen, who returned to inspire the next generation of vehicle technicians while showcasing one of the latest additions to the Volvo fleet. 👏

Kenzie completed his Level 3 Light Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship with Darlington College in 2024 and now works as an HGV Technician at Volvo Trucks in Stockton. Since joining Volvo, he has also completed a Light to Heavy Vehicle Conversion programme, enabling him to work across both sectors and demonstrating the varied career pathways available within the motor vehicle industry.

He was joined by Ollie, who completed his Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship between 2021 and 2024 and has since progressed to Supervisor at Volvo Trucks Stockton. 💪

The pair brought along a brand-new Volvo FMX construction truck and diagnostic equipment, giving our first-year Light and Heavy Vehicle apprentices valuable insight into dealership life, modern vehicle technology and the specialist career routes available within the industry.

It was fantastic to hear how both Ollie and Kenzie have progressed since completing their apprenticeships, developing specialist skills and expertise as part of a highly skilled and diverse workforce at Volvo.

Visits like these show our current apprentices what's possible when training meets opportunity, while helping strengthen our growing relationship with a major industry employer that values the talent coming through Darlington College.

A huge thank you to Volvo Trucks, Ollie and Kenzie for taking the time to visit. We hope to welcome them back next year to deliver a masterclass for our full-time learners and continue inspiring future technicians. 🔧🚚

10/06/2026

Elements Hair & Beauty Client Sessions Are Back! 💅

Treat yourself to a manicure or facial treatment delivered by our Level 2 Beauty students, fully supervised by industry-experienced tutors.

Available treatments:
✨ Basic Manicure - £6
✨ Luxury Manicure - £8
✨ Luxury Facial - £7.50

📅 Appointments available:
Friday 12 June

🕜 Time slots:
1.30pm
2.45pm

📞 To book, call 01325 503052 or 01325 503030.

Spaces are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment!

10/06/2026

NEXT WEEK 🎨 End of Year Showcase 2026 📸

Join us for an evening celebrating the creativity and talent of our Level 1, 2 and 3 Creative Design, Art and Photography students.

Open to the public, this showcase is an opportunity to explore inspiring work produced across a range of creative disciplines — and support the next generation of artists and designers. ✨

📅 Wednesday 17 June
⏰ 5.30pm – 7.30pm
📍 Blackwell Grange Hotel

We can’t wait to share what our students have created! 🙌

10/06/2026

Next Steps and Community Summer Showcase 2026! 🌟

Three weeks ago, our Next Steps learners put on the greatest show alongside a fantastic line-up of community performers and local talent for an unforgettable Summer Showcase. 🎭🎶

Across two acts packed with music, dance and entertainment, learners showcased their confidence, creativity and performance skills, with our Hair and Beauty students on hand behind the scenes, helping performers look their best and adding an extra touch of sparkle to the show. ✨

From energetic dance routines to musical performances, the audience was treated to a celebration of talent, teamwork and achievement. We could not be prouder of everyone who took part, both on stage and behind the scenes. 🙌

A huge thank you to the professional singers and performers who joined the event, helping make the showcase such a memorable occasion for our learners and audience alike.

Finally, thank you to the Darlington College staff whose hard work and dedication brought the event to life, in association with Darlington Community Theatre where the showcase took place.

What a showcase! 👏

09/06/2026

Back in March, our Beauty Therapy and Hairdressing students travelled to Newcastle Quayside for an exciting photoshoot experience at TTM 📸💄✂️

Working in a real studio environment with professional lighting, backdrops and models, students created hair and make-up looks tailored to both day and evening wear.

The experience gave learners valuable industry insight and the opportunity to collaborate with a photography student to capture some fantastic images while developing their professional skills.

Well done to everyone involved! 👏

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

Told he was being made redundant on his birthday and receiving confirmation on the day his second son was born, Adam Walker could have seen it as a setback. Instead, he turned it into an opportunity. 👏

Ten years on, the Darlington College journalism student is celebrating a decade of success with Hubspoke Media, the business he launched with a £13 Companies House registration fee.

Read how Adam built a thriving media company from the ground up: https://darlington.ac.uk/from-redundancy-to-running-a-thriving-media-business/

08/06/2026

Stitch something new into your creativity this September! 🧵

Our SEG Awards Level 1 Award in Dressmaking is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to build confidence in sewing and dressmaking skills, whether you’re completely new to textiles or returning to a hobby you love.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to use a sewing machine safely, develop hand and machine stitching techniques, explore simple design ideas and create beginner-friendly projects while gaining an understanding of fabrics, patterns and garment construction.

✨ Beginner-friendly
✨ One evening per week for around 18 weeks
✨ Ideal for progressing to Level 2 or personal sewing projects
📅 Starts September 2026
📧 Funding may be available, contact [email protected] for more information on funding, dates and times.

Take your first step into fashion, textiles and creative sewing this autumn 🙌

Apply: https://darlington.ac.uk/course/181045/seg-l1-awd-dressmaking/